Texas University System Directs Faculty to Recognize Only Two Sexes Amid Controversy

The Texas Tech University System has directed its faculty to comply with President Donald Trump's January executive order and Texas state laws that recognize only two sexes, male and female, in their course instruction and materials. Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell's letter instructs university presidents to review and adjust curricula and syllabi to ensure compliance with these legal requirements, citing House Bill 229 and Governor Greg Abbott's directive as well. The move follows similar actions at other Texas universities, such as Texas A&M, where faculty faced repercussions for teaching material on gender and sexuality deemed "illegal." The directive has caused concern among faculty members about academic freedom, with some describing themselves as "emotionally shellshocked." Civil rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have criticized the legislation and executive orders, arguing they erase transgender and intersex identities and contradict scientific consensus. Texas Tech officials stated they are working to clarify the letter and urged faculty to address any questions to their deans and provosts, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling their legal obligations as state employees.